Sisters of the Bee Farm: A Tale of Resilience and Honey
Amidst the serene beauty of Wells Gray Park, the Bee Farm stands as a testament to human ingenuity and nature's bounty. Abandoned and derelict for six decades, this homestead has been revived thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Friends of Wells Gray Park and BC Parks. A story of resilience unfolds as the Bee Farm rises from its slumber.
Nestled at kilometer 35.7 along the Stillwater Road, just south of the Park entrance, the Bee Farm's trailhead beckons adventurers at kilometer 3.5. A brief hike of under ten minutes leads to Smith Lake, a 400-meter oasis at 750 meters elevation. The trail meanders along the lake's southern edge, gradually descending to the next junction. Here, the left fork guides the way to a bridge over Hemp Creek, setting the course for an enchanting journey upstream.
The Bee Farm's history is woven with the remarkable tales of two sisters, Jessie and Frances Emery. Born in the early 20th century, they ventured into the world of beekeeping amidst the challenges of their era. It was a time marked by adversity, with forest fires sweeping through the valley, transforming the landscape into a haven for fireweed and deciduous shrubs.
With determination, Jessie filed for a homestead in 1930, setting the stage for their pioneering journey. Accompanied by siblings Norman and Ralph, the sisters embarked on the challenging task of relocating their beekeeping operation to the Upper Clearwater Valley. This journey into the wilderness meant hiking significant distances to tend to their bees, offering a glimpse into the demanding life of beekeepers.
Their year-round responsibilities included tending to the hives, ensuring the health of the colonies, and safeguarding them from hungry predators. The Bee Farm's remote location posed unique challenges, from hive maintenance to honey extraction, making every season a test of resilience.
Despite these challenges, Jessie and Frances expanded their operation, doubling the number of hives to 12, leading to a flourishing business. Their remarkable journey was also marked by a twist of fate, as they crossed paths with the Shook family. Love blossomed, resulting in a triple union between the two families, cementing their deep connection.
The Bee Farm continued to thrive until around 1940 when the sisters eventually moved the hives away from the remote location. The passage of time saw the hives moved out of the Bee Farm in 1945, and Jessie kept a few hives at home for several more years.
The Bee Farm's restoration in 2001, co-funded by B.C. Parks and the Friends of Wells Gray Park, rekindled its legacy. An interpretive hike in 2001 marked a remarkable family reunion, with descendants of the Emery sisters returning to witness the revival of their ancestral haven.
The story of the Bee Farm is not just a historical account; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of Jessie and Frances Emery. Their legacy lives on as the Bee Farm stands proudly in the heart of Wells Gray Park, a living reminder of their extraordinary journey.
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